Academic Scholarship | Guidance for Interview & Presentation
Overview
On Scholarship Day, each candidate will have a single 20-minute interview slot, comprising three phases:
1. Presentation (up to 5 minutes)
You will deliver your “Listen, Wonder, Connect” talk up to five minutes on a topic of your choosing.
2. Discussion of Your Talk (approx. 5 minutes)
The interviewer will ask follow-up questions about your motivations, the ideas you explored, and any further points you wish to add.
3. Unseen Extract Activity (remaining time)
o You’ll be given a short passage or data vignette.
o Read it aloud so we can hear how you interpret tone and emphasis.
o We’ll then discuss its main ideas, techniques, and your critical response.
In addition to this interview, applicants must complete, compile, and print out the following materials:
• Bibliography using Harvard referencing, demonstrating a range of research into their chosen topic.
• 500-word essay to accompany their presentation (450–550 words).
• Optional: If presentation software is used, a print-out of the entire slide deck.
1. Choosing & Developing Your Topic
• Independent Focus: Select a subject beyond your normal curriculum something you’ve discovered through books, articles, podcasts, documentaries, or personal enquiry.
• Example Topics (for inspiration only):
o The implications of the Sunk Cost Fallacy in everyday decisions
o The mechanics of micro-flight in hummingbirds
o Reflections on a favourite essay or podcast episode
o A personal research project (e.g., coding, genealogy, creative exploration) (Theseareillustrative;weexpectyoutochooseanareathatgenuinely interestsyou.)
• Research Journal: As you explore, record key points, questions, and full source details to aid your bibliography.
2. Preparing Your Talk
• Length: 3–5 minutes
• Tone & Style:
o You might open with an engaging anecdote or striking fact, develop the core of your idea, then close with a thought that invites further reflection.
o Structure is your choice focus on clarity, engagement, and genuine curiosity.
• Delivery Tips (suggestions, not requirements):
o Vary your pace and tone.
o Use brief notes rather than a full script.
o Make eye contact with your audience.
3. Bibliography & Essay Requirements
• Bibliography:
o Harvard style, with at least five distinct sources (books, articles, websites, podcasts, etc.).
o Include author, year, title, publisher or journal, and URL (if applicable).
o Print a copy to submit on the day.
• Essay:
o 500 words on your chosen topic (allowable range: 450–550 words), with a clear title or research question.
o Must provide context, critical analysis, and personal reflection.
o Use size 11 font, double-spaced, with your name and word count at the bottom.
o Print your essay for submission.
4. Unseen Extract Preparation
• Practice Reading Aloud:
o Choose short texts (200–300 words) from a variety of genres news articles, poetry, narrative excerpts, data descriptions.
o Time yourself to ensure clear and well-paced delivery.
• Discussion Framework: When questioned, you might consider:
1. Summary: What is the passage’s main message?
2. Purpose & Audience: Why was it written, and for whom?
3. Further Enquiry: What would you ask the author, or what information is missing?
5. Optional Visual Aids
• No expectation of PowerPoint or other slides your ideas and delivery matter most.
• If you choose to create slides or other media, print every page and submit them with your essay and bibliography.
6. Final Preparation Checklist
• Topic chosen outside your taught syllabus
• Research Journal with notes and source details
• Bibliography in Harvard style (≥ 5 sources), printed
• 500-word essay (450–550 words), printed
• Bullet-point script for 3–5 minute talk
• (Optional) Visual aids printed
• At least one full mock interview (talk + Q&A + read-aloud extract) under timed conditions
Your independent scholarship, critical curiosity, and clear communication will be central to a successful presentation. We look forward to seeing the depth and originality of your work!